First acts announced for Townlands Carnival 2018

Now in its fourth year, the purpose-built Townlands' village brings together a celebration of artists from all disciplines and expertise to Rusheen, Cork for three days between June 20-22.

Five stages, each dedicated to a heady mixture of reggae, hip hop, folk, rock and dance music, give a platform for both established and up and coming acts against a theatrical and visually inspired backdrop.

Townlands' line-up this year sees a headline appearance from renowned dance music influencer, Leftfield. Leftfield released one of the biggest dance albums in history, Leftism, which Neil Barnes has been described as being part of “the single most influential production team working in British dance music”.

Townlands is also partnering up with UK label Ghetto Funk, who will provide funked up basslines and breakbeat madness to the Carnival. On the bill are Stanton Warriors, revered for “crafting a deeper, bass-driven sound, turning heads across all genres.” Alongside them three times UK DMC Champion JFB joins the takeover. Having been described by Fatboy Slim as “the thinking man's Grandmaster Flash” and being resident scratch DJ on BBC Radio 1’s Rob Da Bank show in 2013/2014, there’s serious hype in store. WBBL joins the crew too and after touring with Slamboree his style of funky glitch hop and bass heavy anthems will no doubt see the dance floor moving. Last but not least, the Ghetto Funk Allstars, join the crew.

It wouldn’t be a Carnival without a healthy dose of Sea-Soaked Gypsy Folk - which The Eskies dutifully provide.The band have brought their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and their all screaming, all sweating, swaggering stage spectacle to ballrooms and booze-houses the length and breadth of Europe; sullying soirees and lowering inhibitions of get-togethers and social occasions wherever they have ventured. The Latchikós join the sounds of the Sibín bringing wild fiddle playing, driving Gaelic beats and comical lyrics which combines to give new sound in the colourful tapestry of World music.

Speaking about the line-up, festival organiser Sam Beshoff said: "We're absolutely delighted to be back in 2018 and are excited to begin a partnership with Rising Sons Brewery this summer. The response to Townlands 2017 was phenomenally positive and as well as bringing back many of the features that proved to be a hit already, we are hoping to add some new treats for our followers this July."

Find out full details at: .townlandcarnival.com